A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports indicates that pop songs have become increasingly negative over the past 50 years. Researchers analyzed the lyrics of the top 100 most popular English-language songs in the United States, as ranked by the Billboard Hot 100, from 1973 to 2023. This comprehensive analysis revealed that the lyrics have not only grown simpler but also include a higher frequency of words associated with stress.
Dr. Maurício Martins and his research team from the University of Vienna examined a total of 20,186 songs. Their findings suggest a correlation between the evolving nature of song lyrics and rising rates of depression and anxiety, as well as an increase in negativity within media and literature, which has been documented in prior studies.
Rise of Complexity Amid Stressful Events
Interestingly, the researchers found a notable shift beginning in 2016, when songs featuring more complex lyrics started to gain popularity. The team explored various factors that could influence listeners’ preferences for song lyrics but found no significant links to changes in average household income. Instead, they identified connections with major stress-inducing events, such as the September 11 attacks and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Martins noted that these significant events coincided with a trend toward more complex and positive lyrics, which often contained fewer stress-related words. He stated, “These events were associated with lyrics becoming more complex and positive and containing fewer stress-related words, or with no significant changes in lyrics.”
Music as an Escape
The research team posits that the rise of more intricate and positive music during tumultuous times may serve as a form of escapism. Dr. Martins emphasized the dual role of music in shaping and reflecting societal moods over time. He expressed the need for further investigation into why the trend toward complex lyrics began its upward trajectory around 2016.
The study underscores the evolving relationship between music and emotional expression, highlighting how societal challenges influence artistic output. As the landscape of popular music continues to change, these findings may provide valuable insights into the ways individuals navigate their emotions through song.
